Ch 4 Evolution of human mate choice Flashcards
Comparative method
Comparing different species in order to add to our knowledge of anatomy, physiology or behaviour. When behaviour patterns differen between closely related species, then it might be argued that these differences can be traced back to differing ecological pressures.
Where behaviours aural patterns are similar, it suggest that responses are ancient and might be traced back to ?
Common ancestor
Two ways evolutionary psychologists study mate choice
Comparative method or look at similarities and differences at mate choice between various cultures. If evolutionary, then should see across may cultures.
Fission Fusion Society
Divide into small group when foraging - come together into full group when there is a large food source. Chimpanzees. Bonobos.
Meat for Sex hypothesis
Males bring back meat and get sex chimps.
Unimale groups
One male with a group or harem of females. Gorilla
Mate guarding
When males chase other males away.
Parallel dominance hierarchy
Both males and females top down. Top female mates with top male.
Matrilineal
social relationship are based around female members of the group
Meat eating ancestors evidence
large small intestine, teeth, inability to synthesize A or B12
Provisioning hypothesis
Providing for females means bringing food back. Need hands to carry. Puts pressure on bipedalism.
Cryptic oestrus
concealed period of oestrus. May have made men attentive to women continually.
Monogamy
One partner. Dwarf antelopes, humans. 90% of birds, rare in mammals
Polygamy
Individuals mate with more than one partner. Two forms of polygamy. Can be divided into polygyny and polyandry.
Polygyny
One male mates with many females. humans, gorillas, most common mating system.
Polyandry
One female, many males. Humans and very few other animals. Rare
Reproductive Value
Number of children expected in the FUTURE given current age and sex
Fertility
Number of children per mating
Arbitrary Culture Theory
Differences in chastity and sexual permissiveness are random between cultures and free from evolutionary pressures
Sperm competition
When females mate with multiple females and the male that leaves more sperm likely to “father” the infants.
Resource Extraction
Sex for food in animals. Might be benefit to multiple partners for females.
Coolidge effect
Male is able to have sex faster/shorter breaks if a new partner introduced.
Ecological and social pressure result for evolution of human nature (who said this)
Pinker
What makes human mate choices different
We have culture including religion
